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What's In Your Homeschool?

So, here it is almost the end of April. As I reflect on the school year, I am awed and blessed by all that the Lord has done in my family. He has gently and lovingly handled every concern, each struggle, all of the emotions that come with 4 daughters and a 17 year old son sharing the same "space" day in and day out - and He has done it while drawing me to Him with cords of kindness. My God is a good God indeed.

What's in my homeschool? What's in your homeschool? Is the joy of the Lord there? Is His Holy Spirit leading and guiding you through the day? Is there respect for your husband in your homeschool? Plenty of love and grace and mercy shown to your "students"? Is the Ancient of Days the ruler of all your minutes and hours? Does the Great I AM have all authority over your homeschool - from curriculum choices to character building to sick days? Are you talking to Him and seeking Him all throughout the day? Can you say along with Job, "The Lord giveth; the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." and "Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him." (also quoting Job)? Is all of your life and all of your homeschool laid upon His altar - or is some of your life and some of your homeschool trying to squirm off the altar?

When we teach, let us remember that the very same God Who told Moses that He would give him the ability to speak (after all, He made man from dust - he can give that dust-man words to speak) - this is the very same God Who will give you words to speak to your children as you go throughout your homeschool day. Remember this God is the very same God gave Samson strength to slay a lion with his bare hands - and to tie the tails of hundreds of foxes together with torches between them - and the last surge of strength to push down the pillars in order to honor the Lord with his last breath. Will He not give us all that we need as we pour out of ourselves and into our children day after day after day?

He truly does give us all that we need for life and godliness each and every day. This week I spent all (and I do mean ALL!!) of Monday morning, Tuesday morning, and Wednesday morning at doctor's offices. Monday - I was at the doctor. Tuesday - I was at the doctor again (learning all about glucose intolerance and how to use my brand new glucose meter). Wednesday - I took my oldest daughter to the doctor. (She has a terrible case of poison ivy, which she got while working with LOVE Wichita, a local ministry to serve those in our community who need help with projects, yard work, etc.) Today I had to run to the grocery store before one of my daughter's online cooking class - she can't cook if she doesn't have anything TO cook, right?! But guess what? Even through all of that, we got every bit of our school work done on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and today. Of course, I'm not at all surprised. My God is the same God Who kept the Israelites shoes from wearing out for 40 years of desert walking. My God is the same God Who carried Elijah to heaven on a chariot of fire. My God is the very same God Who struck Saul blind and then changed him into Paul, a man set apart and set afire to do the Lord's bidding. It's nothing at all for Him to maximize the time we had this week, to bless the work of my hands, and to give us peace instead of frustration over the strange events that altered our carefully planned schedule. And guess what is even better? I spent an hour or more with the Lord each morning this week; I didn't have to sacrifice even one minute of the most important hour of my day.

He has provided me with an abundance of praying, loving and supportive friends in addition to all His loving care. Not only has He taken good care of my family this week, He gave me real live, in-the-flesh friends to shore me up and encourage me. He has given exceedingly, abundantly more than I can think or imagine. And He loves you so very much, He'll bless you beyond your wildest imaginations, too. 'Cuz He's good like that!

So, may your home be filled with His aroma and may your homeschool bring much glory to His Name. Be blessed and happy homeschooling!

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